Ribe

Ribe is a town in the southwest of Denmark, in the Region of Southern Denmark. It lies on the Ribe Å river near the North Sea coast and is the administrative center of Ribe Municipality.

With a history dating back to the early medieval period, Ribe is commonly described as one of Denmark's oldest towns. The historic town center preserves a medieval street pattern and many timber-framed houses. The town grew as a trading and religious center during the Middle Ages.

Ribe Cathedral (Ribe Domkirke) is a dominant feature of the skyline. Construction began in the 12th century and the church remains the seat of the Diocese of Ribe within the Church of Denmark. Outside the town, Ribe VikingeCenter offers a reconstructed Viking-age settlement and educational showcases.

Today, Ribe has a small population and economy dominated by tourism, culture, and services, alongside agriculture in the surrounding countryside. The town is known for its well-preserved historic atmosphere, accessible museums, and events that interpret its Viking and medieval heritage.

Ribe is connected by road and rail to other Danish towns, with a local railway station on regional lines, making it a popular destination for day trips from larger cities such as Aarhus.